What’s So Great about Community Associations?

COLLECTIVE MANAGEMENT PROTECTS VALUE

Americans have accepted, for the most part, the collective management structure of community association living. Covenants and rules are no longer a new concept to most of us: renters are used to lease agreements with restrictions; single-family, detached-home owners are used to zoning ordinances and building codes. The difference is that in traditional, single-family housing, restrictions are administered by public bodies rather than by private boards.

Most Americans have accepted private governance because they understand that collective management and architectural controls protect and enhance the value of their homes.

PRIVATIZING PUBLIC SERVICE ALLOWS GROWTH

Wherever a new community is built, local infrastructures are stretched. School populations, snow removal, storm water management, road maintenance, utilities, traffic, everything increases leaving the local jurisdiction unable to support new community development. Yet housing is sorely needed. Therefore, local jurisdictions often require community associations to assume many responsibilities that traditionally belonged to local and state government.

This privatization of public services has allowed local jurisdictions to continue developing needed housing without increasing local taxes. Instead, the developer must build the infrastructure and create an association to maintain it after it’s developed.

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS MAKE OWNING A HOME AFFORDABLE

Almost from their inception in the 1960s, condominiums have provided housing for low-to-moderate income Americans. In fact, in some areas, builders are required to include a certain percentage of affordable homes in new developments.

Also, converting rental apartments and commercial buildings into condominiums not only revitalizes many decaying neighborhoods, it’s also made ownership more affordable for those wanting to live in urban centers.

Community associations have made home ownership possible for millions of Americans partly because 21st century families tend to be smaller, the number of single-parent homes has increased, and more retirees are staying in their homes after retirement.

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS MINIMIZE SOCIAL COSTS

Community associations also minimize social costs. Because they have mandatory covenants that require certain obligations from homeowners and the association, associations ensure that all who benefit pay their share and everyone is equally responsible. Community associations have sufficient enforcement authority that local government is seldom, if ever, needed to resolve assessment disputes. Many associations use alternative dispute resolution because it’s a faster and cheaper way to solve problems than legal action.

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS MAKE THE MARKET EFFICIENT

Many community associations—especially condominiums—have greatly reduced urban sprawl. Because of their collective management and protective covenants, they are precisely what the Housing Act of 1949 intended when it called for “decent home(s) and suitable living environments.” Community associations, as alternatives to traditional single-family homes, are shining examples of free-market efficiency.

The factors that make community associations great places to live are easily ignored or misunderstood. Critics prefer to look at a few sensational issues instead of the whole picture. But for many community associations are affordable, enjoyable, efficient places to live.

In the past, we felt like we did not get much support due to our size or the lack of effort from the person handling our account. I do not feel that way with Community Association Management. Our Property Manager has been very active in what we are trying to accomplish in our community and providing us with a variety of options. We are currently going through trying to figure out what to do about our roofing situation. The manager provided us good options and now we are in the process of startin…

Darlene Z. Charlotte, NCPhenomenal Support!

When our new HOA was looking for a management company, several places that we contacted wouldn’t even give us the time of day because our community is so small that we weren’t worth their time and effort. In contrast, KDK Property Management (now part of Community Association Management) has provided our HOA with over a year of great service at an unbeatable price! The employees have frequently gone above and beyond the terms of our contract to protect the best interests of our neighborhood. F…

Hilary WadePresidentLaurel Village HOA

Community Association Management has done a very good job for us . They provide good expense management and provide prompt monthly reports regarding all expenditures. Likewise , they have been quick to respond to the various problems that seem to always come up from time to time . In conclusion , I would highly recommend their organization.

Frank M., Charlotte ,NCGood Expense Management....

“Community Association Management is extremely thorough and knowledgeable in their approach to business. They are also very timely in their communications. They have saved our community a lot of money. When they first approached us and told us how much we could save by working with them, we thought the promise was ‘too good to be true’. They have more than delivered on that promise and more.”

Significant Cost SavingsBob A., Raleigh, NC

Solid Customer Service!
Your focus on solid customer service has made the transition go as smoothly as possible and reassures us we made the right decision to go with Community Association Management. I personally appreciate the way you communicate, your availability, and the way you make things happen.

J. WilliamsArdrey Place - Charlotte, NC

“Community Management is a very professionally run organization, with all of the aids and assistance necessary to help a HOA board of directors answer to their community’s needs.”

“I would like to thank Community Association Management for the fine job this past year. We had our annual meeting and our Property Manager did an excellent job covering the meeting. As I told the new board and the members present, I feel my finest achievement this past year was to bring your organization on board to be our management partner. Thank you again for making my second year as president easier and more rewarding.”

Thank You!Rich, Kannapolis NC

We needed structure and guidance and we are so appreciative to get that from this company.

R. BellTreasurerHope Crossing

Quite impressed with the eManageSuite system!!

S. Reavis; Charlotte, NCImpressive!

I am very pleased with our Portfolio Manager and Community Association Management in general. Both have met my expectations and in many cases they have exceeded them!